7 week old baby - advice on interaction please

[everymum]

My LO is now 7 weeks old. I've had very sporadic smiles (last one 2 days ago now) and I have no idea if this is normal. She only seems to smile in the morning and even then only after a lot of coaxing. Also I am not sure if she is making eye contact with me.
Am I being neurotic? Is it normal for smiling and interaction to get off to a slow start?
Any experiences/advice appreciated

I wouldn't worry too much at this stage. She is very young.

Just carry on with lots of cuddles, talking and staring into her eyes - it really is the best form of interaction at this age

They will smile when they are ready and its worth waiting for I don't think DS was smiling at 7weeks...except when he had gas...

You are being a bit neurotic but I guess thats not too unusual

My ds didn't smile at all until about 6 weeks and then not regularly. This was his way - he would do something once and then not repeat it for ages! Just keep chatting to her, giving oodles of cuddles and snuggles and gazing into her eyes.

All will be well.

dd was 6 weeks but only did it occasionally, and didn't laugh til about 8 mths or something (grew into delightful toddler!)
ds was about 7 weeks I think but giggles and smiles all the time from maybe 9 or 10 weeks (now 15 weeks).

Def don't worry!! (and congrats on your baby)

Thank you! I know I am being neurotic but it is good to hear it from other people! Thank goodness for MN!

Some babies don't really smile/respond until at least 12 weeks. Their eyesight and ability to focus is a bit iffy to begin with, but you'll get there . They can smell you. Don't worry!

Yes, I am happy to tell you I agree that you're being neurotic - in the nicest possible way

Just enjoy her teeny tiny lovely baby self - they soon grow into screaming toddlers

When my DS was about that age I genuinely worried I wasn't playing enough classical music to him and wondered if jazz was OK. Really genuinely, I worried it would damage him.

This neuroticism is a bit crazy, but I suppose it's our natural response in those early days...

Hi everymum

I remember very well feeling the same neurosis about my DD's first smile. She started to smile around 6 weeks but they were very few and far between at first. Now at just over 5 months she smiles all the time (for me anyway ) and is beginning to make noises that sounds a bit like a laugh.

I was just saying to DP did he remember how I would ring him at work every time she smiled, whereas now the smiles are ten-a-penny (not really I love every single one!)

My DD is at her best in the morning- smiley and attentive. By the end of the day she is definitely more grumpy. She isn't the greatest napper so I have put this down to her getting progressively more tired as the day goes by.